R18 Sydney Derby XXI - GWS V Swans @ Gold Coast 6:10pm

[Agent 86]

Stephens had played a full game 24 hours ago !!

Great. All the more reason why he should be composed (& wasn’t it a scratch match?).

It’s all okay, I want to see him do good too. He just seems a bit overawed by things at times - has got the attributes to be the real deal, but maybe needs some time to learn to back himself.

[stevoswan]

The Victorian Government has instead decided to manage Mills and Cunningham for the next two games. They will both approach finals fresh and ready to go.

Unfortunately with the evolving COVID situation, Gulden’s break will have to wait.

True.

[Agent 86]

The Rampe criticism throughout this thread is perplexing.

We concede so many inside 50’s, were smashed in the middle in the first quarter (and all last week) and generally he takes the oppositions best forward. Of course there are times he is going to get beaten!!

I think Rampe is a gun and we are lucky to have him.

Absolutely.

[joeykanga]

Stephens had played a full game 24 hours ago !!

Amazing effort by him and Rowbottom..in the press conference Longmire said Stephens had played half a game and Rowy a full gane

So proud of this team and coach ..
It’s so good to see Georgie go so well and being allowed to just play that midfield role ..what a kick to Hickey
Parker and Kennedy immense

Blakey is showing his amazing running and skills but just love the way he puts his body in the line and gives his all Im the manner of someone with a much bigger frame

Just an outstanding team performance and I didn’t think Amartey was bad at all ..he contests so well in marking duels and he’s a skilful terrier in the ground for a big man

I think Dawson’s tacking is a highlight …once he gets hold of an opponent he tends yo wrap them up so well ..not just the leg and arm tackle from today but many other tackles today

[TheBloods]

Great. All the more reason why he should be composed (& wasn’t it a scratch match?).

It’s all okay, I want to see him do good too. He just seems a bit overawed by things at times - has got the attributes to be the real deal, but maybe needs some time to learn to back himself.

WTAF

He would be mentally and physically cooked , even for a scratch match do you know the physical effort required ??

Doesnt matter as he and Rowbottom will be out anyway but wrong to pass judgment on his "composure" based on a match he played under duress !

[dejavoodoo44]

There's a question as to whether any of the late outs from today will be able to play next week as they may have to isolate for 14 days

Yes, I think it's usually 14 days from a possible contact. Since the rugby test was on Tuesday, that should rule Mills, Cunningham and O'Riordan out for next weekend. Which is a problem, but it would be much more of a problem, if one of the players or staff test positive.

[joeykanga]

Absolutely.

+1 and how about his dodging and weaving performance out on the wing ..that was special

[dejavoodoo44]

Finally got to see the highlights, after listening to the game on radio. The highlights were largely a Papley highlight reel. His quick snap from the boundary was amazing. It was also fun to watch McInerney and Blakey make slashing runs through the midfield. Both are going to give us a lot of joy in the future. And I loved seeing Hickey get on the end of a sweeping move, to pop it through from around fifty.

[Kumarangk]

I never read this blog when the game’s on. Afterwards some of the nonsense is amusing, but sometimes it’s just aggravating. Seriously, we got on top of them halfway through the second quarter and never looked back. Great effort at any time, even more meritorious considering the circumstances.

Yes Blue Sun. CaJ23 & Captain. You came prematurely !

[Bangalore Swans]

People will be annoyed at me saying this but the last 2 and half quarters was a demonstration of Don Pyke corridor football. The football style now looks like it did it weeks 1-3.

The Swans look so good when they move the ball through the corridor. When you see Gulden, J-Mac and Blakey storming through the corridor it opens up so many more options. You can go either side and it really stretches the oppositions defence.

Going through the corridor also gives Franklin more space on the lead and he was lethal from set shots today.

[Matty10]

He just seems a bit overawed by things at times - has got the attributes to be the real deal, but maybe needs some time to learn to back himself.

I agree. I really hope that Stephens finds a way to build his confidence, but that might not be in the senior team. If we can afford to carry him in our best 22, then so be it - but we are nearing the business end of the season and teams that want to do well really can’t be carrying too many passengers (even for the sake of that individual’s development).

[Agent 86]

WTAF

He would be mentally and physically cooked , even for a scratch match do you know the physical effort required ??

Doesnt matter as he and Rowbottom will be out anyway but wrong to pass judgment on his "composure" based on a match he played under duress !

Lighten up, Champ. From what I’ve heard he’s played half a game in a practice match, it’s not like he’s just completed the Kokoda Trail in bare feet. Hopefully he’ll grow some awareness and, dare I say it, composure in time.

[707]

11 wins always earns a finals berth

You needed 13 wins a few seasons back!

[bennyfabulous]

Brilliant effort by the lads, great commitment by the whole team, including staff. The boys and staff are battling more than just the opponents (and of course the dismal umpires) every week atm. Super effort to back up by Stephens & Rowbottom. If you've ever played a game of footy (even half a game), you know how tired & sore you are the next day. Very proud of the win. Very proud to be a Swans supporter right now. This is what i love about our team, they just fight. Bring on Top 4.

[MattW]

Great game by Hewett in the absence of Mills

Good call - you were first.

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Horrific start. Terrific turnaround! Never panic after a bad first quarter.

You'd be confident when a game vs the Giants starts to swing your way, Leon Cameron really is the coach with no answers.

Well done to the boys, those are the wins that boost confidence.

Yes.

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You watch that second half and imagine what Heeney could be if his body allowed him to play full time midfield or wing. Unreal.

You mean aerobic fitness or regular injuries? He should just play wing.

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V Pleased Buddy didn’t go to the Rugby .

Please... Buddy has taste.

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McInerney has a champion's mindset - with Papley, kept us in it in the first half. Clutch, runs hard.

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Well what a great last half.?We Brought the intensity. It was great. Heens to wing, McInerney to HB really helped. McInerney played HB, wing, switching. Bloody smart coaching. I can say to any poster saying Amartey was not good to watch his ruck work and the fact he was able to bring the ball to ground against Phil Davis, who has a great record on Buddy. This is one of the great fullbacks. The kid was good and he did everything asked of him. He brought the ball to ground, rucked recalled well and provided second & third efforts. So @@@@ you all the detractors. I thi k the coaches would be very pleased. Especially as he negated any influence Davis might have had.

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Apart from the '@@@@ you', I agree with you re Amartey. He played hard.